attempting to tighten my steering column. The steering wheel would turn slightly even when locked?

Hi,

I'm not sure which bolt you are referring to. I attached pics below. Take a look at them and let me know if you see it.

Also, if you could upload a pic of where it is, that may help me.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

It's a little difficult to tell from those diagrams. Here are the pictures. For some reason they are slightly rotated, but hopefully this makes it clear.

https://www.2carpros.com/files/temp/7957840310.jpg

https://www.2carpros.com/files/temp/2245756840.jpg


https://www.2carpros.com/files/temp/4885597914.jpg

https://www.2carpros.com/files/temp/8342786007.jpg

Hopefully these pictures will help.

Hi,

Does this have a telescopic steering column? That appears to be the locking mechanism for it.

Let me know.

Joe

Yes, it is. It has a manual telescopic steering column. The locking mechanism is actually in this picture below and still works. This bolt seems to have been to keep the steering wheel from pulling too far out, but I'm not completely sure. I don't know if it serves another purpose and how important it is.

Hi,

To the best of my knowledge, that is the only purpose for it. Looking at the pics I have and what you have provided, it doesn't appear it was responsible for anything other.

Interestingly, the only repair listed in my manual is to replace the steering column.

Let me know. Also, let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

Thank you very much. I drilled out the old bolt and I'm going to tap it and replace with a new bolt. It brings me back to my original problem though. Do you know what needs to be tightened if I can move my steering wheel while it's in the locked position. It doesn't move much, but it can slightly rotate from left to right, (turn left and right) even when it's locked.

Hi,

There is normally a small amount of play when the key is out. Can you record what it does and upload it for me to see?

Joe

Yep, no problem. I won't be home until late tonight, so I will add it first thing in the morning.

Hi,

I may be out of town until Sunday. I hope you understand. Send it regardless and I'll get back to you.

Joe

Here is the video. Let me know if you need more.

Thanks for the video, it looks like this problem has nothing to do with the steering column, the mount that is welded to the dash mount is broken. You will need to remove the column and either reweld it or you might be able to drill holes to bolt it, either the weld was bad from the factory, or someone really muscled the wheel or the tuck as in an accident at one point. Here are the instructions on how to remove the column. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

Thank you for the help. Is this something I should be able to see without dropping the steering column? All the welds I think I can see look okay, but I may just be missing it.

Hi,

I just got back. Ken is correct. The column isn't properly mounted anymore. The steering column needs to be removed to repair the mount. Have you tried removing it yet?

Joe

Thank you for the replies. I haven't dug into it yet, but that will be next weekend's project and I will update how it goes. I found this short forum from a few years ago but couldn't determine what exactly was referenced with the bolt in the clam shell. I'm not sure if either of you know what's being talked about? I've never taken out a steering column and I'm a DIY mechanic at best. I'll be working on the column next weekend, and I'll let you know.

Hi,

If I had to guess, they are referring to the bolt you attached prior. I made a copy of it and re-attached it below.

Other than that, I'm not sure what they referred to.

Let us know how things turn out for you. Make sure the battery is disconnected for at least 30 minutes prior to working on the steering.

Take care,

Joe